Kerala: Heat no bar for coaching classes

KOZHIKODE: The ban on educational institutions to conduct classes during a time, when the district is experiencing high temperatures does not cover coaching centers and other institutes of higher education. While school-going children up to plus two have some relief, there are many who are attending classes in the city, including entrance coaching centres.

Kozhikode district collector N Prasanth had posted on his Facebook page that “it is mandatory for educational institutions not to conduct classes until May 9 as the temperature is really high and there are high chances for sunstroke. It is compulsory that institutions shall not conduct special classes or tuition. But the order is not meant for college students and students attending university examinations. It will be discussed accordingly whether to conduct classes as per the current circumstances after May 8. Strict action will be taken against those who violate the order. Public can inform if any one breaches the order through: 0495 2371400.”
 

However, it has been found that many educational institutions, like entrance examinations coaching centres around the city conduct classes despite the heat wave. “Our institution did not get time to inform all the students about the collector’s order as it came late on Sunday. We have classes today but teachers have said that anyone who feels tired can leave,” said a tenth standard student who goes for tuition classes in one of the private institutions.

‘‘We have got permission from the Vice Chancellor to conduct classes and moreover, professional institutions are excluded from the collector’s order,” said Dr. Smitha V.P .Principal of Calicut University off center at Valiyangadi campus in Kozhikode”.  

The order was released late on Sunday and most institutions, student and parents came to known from the day’s newspaper. The Collector’s office reiterated that it would take action against those who violate the order.